Ancient woodland, roaming ponies and a touch of folklore — the New Forest comes into its own this season.
Spring is the perfect time to visit the New Forest, when ancient woodland, open heath and storybook villages emerge from winter into soft colour and light. Often compared to the Cotswolds — but without the crowds — it remains one of southern England’s most wildly underrated escapes.
There is a gentle whimsy to it all: twisted, centuries-old trees, semi-wild ponies and donkeys drifting through the mist, and a landscape steeped in folklore and long-held tradition.
As the season unfolds, beech and oak burst into pale green almost overnight, followed by drifts of bluebells carpeting the forest floor. The air is rich with earth, blossom and woodsmoke — a sensory shift that makes spring the most compelling time to explore the New Forest.
Read more: 5 spring-day trips less than two hours from London by train or car
Where to begin with the New Forest
Start in Lyndhurst, often described as the forest’s capital. It can be busy, but it provides a useful anchor, with cafés, small shops and easy access to walking routes that slip quickly into quieter terrain.
The Ornamental Drive offers a gentle introduction, looping through woodland where azaleas and rhododendrons begin to stir later in spring.
For a dose of independent charm, wander the high street in Lymington, where market stalls and small shops sell local produce and art. Don’t miss Bakehouse 24, a much-loved artisan bakery known for its cinnamon buns, sourdough and coffee from Dorset roaster Bad Hand Coffee.
Best walks in the New Forest
For something wilder, head towards Brockenhurst. A circular walk out to Setley Plain opens onto heathland where ponies graze, before dipping back into shaded tracks. Early mornings are best, when the light is low and the forest feels momentarily yours alone.
Just beyond the village lies the quietly spectacular Blackwater Arboretum. Its Tall Trees Trail is something of a hidden gem, where towering conifers planted in the 1850s line a winding path. Among them are some of the country’s oldest Douglas firs, as well as immense redwoods—the largest tree species on earth—offering a sense of scale that feels almost otherworldly.
Further south, Beaulieu offers a softer, more manicured landscape. Walks along the Beaulieu River feel unhurried and expansive, with reeds shifting and birdsong carrying across the water. Nearby, Buckler’s Hard adds a note of maritime history and makes for an easy extension.
For coastal air, follow the New Forest’s 42-mile shoreline, where roadside viewpoints reveal sweeping sea views. The Lepe Loop, a gentle 5.9-mile circular route near Exbury, combines forest trails with open shoreline, where the colours shift from deep greens to expansive blues.
For a more guided approach, Naturetrek runs expert-led walking tours that delve into the region’s birds, flora and ecology, from relaxed day walks to more immersive multi-day breaks.
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Where to eat and drink in the New Forest
The New Forest’s pubs remain as integral as its footpaths — places for good food, log fires and, in warmer months, gardens often shared with wandering ponies or donkeys. The Fleur de Lys, reputedly the forest’s oldest pub, has a certain timeworn charm.
Elsewhere, The White Buck provides a more polished take on the traditional pub. For restaurants, Les Mirabelles and The Cartwheel Inn are local favourites, while Verveine Fish Restaurant and The Elderflower reward those willing to venture further.
For something a little more under the radar, The Railway Pub is a characterful spot known for its North American-inspired dishes and locally sourced craft beer, with a sunlit garden and walls lined with beer mats from around the world.
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Where to stay in the New Forest
Undercastle Cottage
Reached by a woodland track on the Hampshire Avon, Undercastle Cottage feels secluded and faintly fairy-tale: a thatched, timber-framed luxury rural retreat. Interiors favour warmth over polish, while a separate Fishing Lodge offers added privacy, its river views best at sunset. Featured on the BBC’s Gone Fishing, it is also the only cottage in the district to hold VisitEngland Five-Star and Gold Awards since 2019.
For more information or to book, visit Undercastle Cottage.
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
A grand country house on the edge of the forest, Chewton Glen blends classic luxury with a more contemporary edge — best seen in its treehouse suites, set high among the canopy. Expect a full-service spa, refined dining and immaculate grounds that lead towards the coast.
For more information or to book, visit Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa.
New Park Manor
Set within the heart of the forest, New Park Manor has a relaxed, family-friendly feel, where deer graze just beyond the lawn. A former royal hunting lodge, it combines historic character with modern comforts, alongside a well-regarded spa and an easy sense of informality.
For more information or to book, visit Luxury Family Hotels.
Lime Wood
A refined boutique country house hotel set deep within the forest, Lime Wood balances laid-back luxury with a strong sense of place. Its 33 rooms spread between the main house and surrounding grounds blend classical elegance with contemporary design, following a thoughtful refurbishment by Susie Atkinson.
The standout is Herb House, a serene, nature-led spa with floor-to-ceiling woodland views, a rooftop herb garden and bespoke treatments designed to restore both body and mind.
For more information or to book, visit Lime Wood.
CamperDays
For a more flexible stay, CamperDays offers the freedom of a home on wheels. With peaceful campsites scattered across Lyndhurst, Lymington, Brockenhurst and Christchurch, it’s an easy way to experience multiple corners of the New Forest — staying a night or two in each and exploring at your own pace.
For more information or to book, visit CamperDays.
How to do it
The New Forest is located just 89 minutes away from London Waterloo Station by train. Travel with South Western Railway to the New Forest straight from London Waterloo, Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.
Feature image: Unsplash
